Hello, I’m Deborah, a registered counsellor based in Exeter, Devon. I have over 30 years experience in the caring professions as a Mental Health and Learning Disability nurse in the NHS. I am warm, grounded and compassionate.

Over the years I have supported many people to navigate life’s challenges. I provide a safe and confidential space for you to explore whatever is happening in your life now, and I can help you to find a way forward.

I am non-judgemental, and have knowledge and skills in working with people who have mental health difficulties and/or learning disabilities. I embrace human diversity and offer an inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community and neurodivergent individuals.

Like the natural world, therapy can be a gentle and restorative space – a place to rediscover your authentic self and create balance in your life. It does also have it’s more challenging ‘weather’. Together we can discover to best path for you, empowering you to heal, grow and thrive.

I work with:

I work with people aged 18 and over and I have experience supporting neurodivergent adults, including those with ADHD, autism, and those navigating a diagnosis later in life. I work compassionately with trauma. People come to me with a wide range of concerns and issues including:

Anxiety and panic.
Depression and low mood.
Relationships and family conflicts.
Grief and loss.
Difficulties at work or in retirement.
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed or lacking purpose.
Low self-esteem and confidence.
Life transitions.
Stress or burnout.
Loneliness.
Adverse Childhood Experiences
ADHD or Autism related challenges.
Feeling confused in life.

How I work:

I offer a free, no obligation 20 minute introductory call so that we can meet, discuss what you’re looking for, and decide if we will work well together (see the contact form at the bottom of this page). We can meet face-to-face in Exeter, online, or by phone.

Following our conversation, if you wish to proceed I will email you a copy of our working agreement. This is for you to read and check that you are happy with how we will work together. If you have any questions about this, please feel free to ask.

In our first session together we will discuss confidentiality and explore what brings you to counselling in more depth, and how the issues affect you now. We will agree on an approach that works for you and book in future sessions. There is no obligation to work long-term, but I will let you know what I think we could achieve in a set number of sessions. I am able to provide short or longer-term therapy.

In our sessions we’ll work together at your pace, exploring your thoughts and feelings with curiosity and compassion. My integrative approach (using different techniques that best suit you), combines person-centered (helping you explore and find your own solutions), existential (helping you to navigate life transitions such as changes at work or having children), and creative approaches (such as art or nature therapy, which can encourage emotional expression).

Where?

For face to face sessions we sit together in a dedicated confidential space in Exeter (The Practice Rooms, 15-16 Castle Street, Exeter, EX4 3PT).

I also offer on-line and telephone therapy sessions. These can be from where ever you are. You just need a quiet, uninterrupted place to make the call from.

When?

I generally work Monday to Saturday between 9am and 6pm. Evening sessions may be possible in the summer. Sessions are 50 minutes long.

Fees?

I charge £55.00 per hour. A limited number of reduced-fee spaces are available at £45.00 for people on a low income. Payment is made by BACS (bank transfer) prior to each session.

Let’s Work Together

Contact me here, to arrange a free introductory phone call.

Urgent help

I do not offer a crisis response service. If you need urgent help, please contact your GP, Samaritans on 116 123 (open 24/7), NHS calling 999, or attend A&E.

Calm Water Counselling

Navigating life’s waves and finding your inner calm, one step at a time.